With the highest opioid death rate in Ontario, Thunder Bay remembers those lost to overdoses – CBC

Several events held in advance of International Overdose Awareness Day on Sunday

Aug 28, 2025

Serene Spence says she’s lost three family members to overdoses, and doesn’t want others to experience the same kind of loss.

Spence lives in Thunder Bay, Ont., the city with the highest opioid-related death rate in the province, according to the latest data from Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner.

On Wednesday morning, she and her relatives trekked across town as part of Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s walk for survivors and their families, carrying framed photographs of the men they’ve lost to the opioid crisis.

“With heavy hearts, we are here today to show awareness and hopefully, people who are hurting out there will reach out and get some help, and that family members like us are no longer suffering or grieving for them,” said Spence, who is a member of Marten Falls First Nation.

With the highest opioid death rate in Ontario, Thunder Bay remembers those lost to overdoses – CBC

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